项目介绍

2026年9月17日

Are you interested in combining learning and control to develop adaptive control algorithms and contribute to the green transition? 

In this PhD project, you will work at the intersection of model predictive control and adaptive modelling and contribute to facilitating the increased penetration of renewable energy through the orchestration of flexible energy consumption.

You will conduct your research in the section for Dynamical Systems at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science under the supervision of Associate Professor Tobias K. S. Ritschel in collaboration with leading industry partners within demand-side flexibility.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will carry out many different tasks revolving around research, dissemination of research, and research-based teaching. Specifically, you will

• Develop minimal demand response models of how consumers’ energy demand changes in response to time-varying energy prices
• Develop theory and practical algorithms for parameter-adaptive model predictive control (MPC)
• Develop optimal strategies for bidding into multiple markets based on the demand response models
• Co-supervise MSc and BSc projects on demand-side flexibility exploitation
• Participate in international conferences and contribute to the scientific literature
• Contribute to courses on stochastic adaptive control and advanced time series analysis

You have a strong background in applied mathematics, and you’re interested in combining mathematical theory with practical algorithm development and real-life tests. Furthermore, you have demonstrated experience with the following topics.

• Dynamical demand response modeling
• Nonlinear systems and control theory, incl. numerical optimal control
• Nonlinear stochastic differential equations and parameter estimation theory
• Programming (e.g., in Matlab, Python, Julia, or similar)

In addition to fulfilling the technical requirements, you are thorough in your work and have a critical mindset while also being curious self-starting.

You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment will be based on an interview where we will discuss your qualifications and relevant experience with demand-side flexibility exploitation. The successful candidate will both have demonstrated sufficient academic qualifications and potential at the interview and have the skillset needed to move the field of demand-side flexibility through adaptive control.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

At DTU Compute, we have a large focus on creating a good working environment. Our work with diversity and inclusion is an essential part of that. We believe that having a good working environment is a necessary foundation to provide excellent research, teaching, supervision and innovation.

At DTU Compute, we have about 140 PhD students. We offer several events and activities for all our PhD students such as annual PhD Bazaar, onboarding course where you will meet other PhD students, and you can join our PhD Club that organizes BBQs, board games events, lunches etc. 

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk. 

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 3 years. Preferred starting date is 1 January 2027 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
For further information, please reach out to Assoc. Prof. Tobias K. S. Ritschel (tobk@dtu.dk, people.compute.dtu.dk/tobk).

You can read more about Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at www.compute.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.